Job Title: Process Control Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Process Control Engineer (Oil & Gas) is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control systems in oil and gas operations. This role involves troubleshooting complex issues, mentoring junior engineers, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and contributing to the strategic development of control systems. The Senior Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
Control System Design and Implementation:
- Lead the design, configuration, and integration of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Develop and implement advanced control strategies, including model predictive control and adaptive control algorithms.
- Ensure seamless integration of new control systems with existing infrastructure.
System Optimization and Troubleshooting:
- Diagnose and resolve critical issues in control systems, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of operations.
- Analyze process data and implement advanced optimization techniques to enhance system performance.
- Conduct root cause analysis of system failures and develop corrective action plans.
Process Improvement and Innovation:
- Evaluate existing control strategies and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability.
- Introduce cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, such as IoT and machine learning, to improve process control.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and lead projects aimed at operational excellence.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all process control systems comply with industry standards, such as API, ISA, HAZOP, and SIL requirements.
- Conduct and participate in safety reviews, audits, and risk assessments.
- Develop and maintain documentation, including functional design specifications, system configurations, and performance reports.
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
- Lead cross-functional teams in control system projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Act as a technical authority and subject matter expert for process control systems.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to address control system challenges and deliver solutions.
- Communicate technical updates, project progress, and risks to senior management and stakeholders.
- Represent the organization in industry forums, conferences, and technical discussions.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Expertise in process control systems, including DCS, PLC, and SCADA platforms.
- Advanced knowledge of control strategies, such as PID tuning, model predictive control, and advanced loop optimization.
- In-depth understanding of instrumentation and process equipment in oil and gas operations.
- Proficiency in industrial communication protocols (Modbus, HART, OPC) and automation standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving complex control system issues.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in process control or industrial automation (ISA Certified Automation Professional, Functional Safety Certification) are highly desirable.
Key Focus Areas:
- Process Control in Drilling, Refining, and Extraction: Leading the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control systems to improve efficiency, minimize risks, and ensure high performance in drilling, refining, and extraction operations.
- SCADA Systems for Pipeline Management: Overseeing the integration and enhancement of SCADA systems for pipeline management, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and system security across critical infrastructure.
- Safety and Emergency Shutdown Systems: Leading the development, testing, and continuous improvement of safety and emergency shutdown systems to ensure their full functionality during emergencies and compliance with global safety standards.
- Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Driving the compliance strategy across all process control systems, ensuring alignment with environmental and regulatory standards, managing audits, and implementing corrective actions where necessary to minimize environmental impact.
Experience:
- 7-10 years of experience in process control engineering, with a significant portion in the oil and gas industry.
- Proven track record of managing complex control system projects and leading process optimization initiatives.
Tools and Technologies:
- Proficiency with platforms such as Siemens PCS 7, Honeywell Experion, ABB 800xA, or Rockwell Automation.
- Familiarity with process simulation tools ( Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB, LabVIEW) for design and optimization.
- Experience with data analytics and visualization tools to interpret and present process control insights.
Other Requirements:
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills to manage teams and engage with stakeholders effectively.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all process control activities.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks and deliver results under tight deadlines.
- Willingness to stay updated on emerging technologies and apply them to enhance process control systems.